Wanaka Sun | 03 - 10 December 2020 | Edition 1003

Byron Wells

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Heads for retirement.

Views: Page 13 Sport: Page 16

PAGE 10

17-year-old Tackles both lakes.

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Happy 20th Birthday Wastebusters!

PHOTO: Wastebusters

Last week Wastebusters celebrated its 20th birthday. Originally called WÄ naka Wastebusters, the organisation became Wastebusters when it joined forces with Alexandra about five years ago.

But it has been a staple of WÄ naka life in one form or the other for the past two decades. Here the Wastebusters staff celebrate the occasion with cake! About 200 members of the public joined them for cake.

Mt Iron Junction: end in sight Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

$30 million development at the junction of State Highway 84 and SH6 is still a possibility according to Mt Iron Junction co-owner Steve Schikker, despite a resource consent application being declined earlier in the year.

A

Schikker was in mediation with the Queenstown Lakes District Council over his company's development proposal which included building a service station, workers accommodation, terrace housing, mini-golf facility and a child care centre.

After a hearing in February, the company's proposal was declined because the land was zoned rural general and the landscape changes

would be more than minor.

But Schikker said that despite the slow progress he could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Where are you at now?

Nothing has happened in the last month or two. We applied to the Environment Court, and part of that process was to go to mediation. We had mediation about two months ago, and now we are working through the terms of consent

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which is always a little bit tricky. You have an idea what was said in mediation then the Council has an idea, and it's a matter of finding the middle ground of what they thought was said and what we thought was said.

So the upside is we put all our revised plans into the Council, and we are about to have a meeting with them.

Continued on page 3

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17-year-old to swim the lakes Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Meg McLaughlan is no ordinary 17-year-old. The student from St Hilda’s College, is planning to swim the lengths of both Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka over five days in the New Year, to raise money for the Otago Division of the Cancer Society. The total length is about 80km.

“There have been other swimmers in the last year or two who have done similar things,” McLaughlan said. “A friend up in Blenheim did a swim for mental health this time last year. And

so, I saw him doing it and thought I wanted to do something similar.”

McLaughlan plans to swim for about five hours each day with a support boat, kayak and for some of the way a support swimmer. She will come home each night, then get up super early to resume the swim.

Her biggest worry is the weather, it getting choppy and her not being able to finish.

McLaughlan has a Give-a-Little page: w w w.g i vea l i tt l e.co.n z / f u n d ra i s er / m egmclaughlan-swim-for-a-cure and it looking for other sponsors. Put your hand up!

PHOTO: Supplied

Meg McLaughlan aims to swim the lengths of Lakes Hāwea and Wānaka in a bid to raise money for charity.

Learning about fire from Mt Iron residents

PHOTO: Scion

In Wānaka, subdivisions spreading out into the countryside extend the fringe area where urban meets rural.

Pat Deavoll Upper Clutha youth filmed Snapchat and TikTok invitations to encourage other young people to apply.

PHOTO: Supplied

Your orchard needs you Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Local youth have been invited via Snapchat and TikTok to apply for cherry-picking jobs this summer.

Kahu Youth Trust, The Upper Clutha GSD Collective and CentralPac orchard in Cromwell are working together on an initiative that will see 100 young people in the Upper Clutha into employment.

As well as providing employment opportunities, the initiative aims to help orchards combat the global pandemic and shortfall in seasonal workers this coming summer.

Sarah Millwater, the driving force behind this project, which started before the government announced they would be opening borders to some seasonal workers, said: “Businesses in the area are in real danger of losing a significant part of their harvest this season and so, with a

lack of seasonal workers from overseas due to COVID-19 restrictions, we quickly jumped on an initiative to get something done.”

Young people will be offered three or four days work a week at CentralPac, a cherry orchard near Cromwell who have agreed to offer training, good working conditions and pay ($18.90 plus holiday pay per hour, with the chance to earn more by picking more).

A PledgeMe page has been set up to help provide support for this project, specifically for help with transport and supervision of the kids.

“We were mindful about not only supporting the orchard but also a locally owned bus company that is also missing out on revenue due to COVID-19,” said Millwater.

Millwater hoped the project would be the pilot for a wider scheme which, in future seasons, could connect youth with more growers in the region or encourage young people to go into the industry.

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Local knowledge around fire awareness and preparedness in the northern Wānaka and Albert Town area is being sought by fire researchers to help residents, Fire and Emergency New Zealand and local government plan for future wildfires.

In Wānaka, subdivisions spreading out into the countryside extend the fringe area where urban meets rural. People living in rural-urban interfaces (RUI) can be especially vulnerable to wildfire, as the recent Lake Ōhau, NelsonTasman and Port Hills fires have shown.

Fire researchers from the Crown research institute Scion are investigating what residents of northern Wānaka and Albert Town know about wildfire risk and how to prepare for it. The research is being funded by Resilience to Nature's Challenges National Science Challenge.

Lisa Langer, who is leading the research, said we want to find out what people who live in the rural/-urban interface and suburban areas of northern Wānaka and Albert Town know and understand about wildfire.

"We want to understand current wildfire risk awareness and preparedness and explore means of encouraging better wildfire preparations for

the future," said Langer.

"The work is just starting," she said. "The research team was in Queenstown and Wānaka last week.

They are conducting a series of interviews and focus groups, with residents. Conversations are planned with holiday homeowners who live outside the Wānaka area. A survey to capture an insight of the wider community is planned for December. A summary of findings and recommendations will be available at the end of September next year."

The Queenstown Red Zone (to the immediate west and north of Queenstown) is another high wildfire risk area. Scion's Rural Fire Research team is collaborating with Fire and Emergency NZ to help engage the community around wildfire risks and mitigation methods. This component of the research is funded by. the Ministry for Primary Industries Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change (SLMACC) programme.

"From this base, we will make recommendations to agencies to refine methods to engage with RUI and rural landowners to help them be better prepared for future wildfires," said Langer.

The work in Otago is being carried out in conjunction with agencies such as Fire and Emergency NZ, the Queenstown Lakes District Council and Civil Defence and Emergency Management. and the Department of Conservation.

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Mt Iron Junction: end in sight TAIC reports on fatal

helicopter break-up

Continued from page 1 So what is the hold-up?

It is down to landscape stuff. What trees go where and what visuals they want.

We are just trying to work out what they (the Council) will accept and what would be sensible for us.

We have had to compromise- you can read into that that we have had to chop out stuff. And the Council has had to accept things.

There were parts we had to take out because the Council didn't find it acceptable. And parts we insisted should stay in there.

We are getting there, but the Council can be very pedantic. It's not until the final I's are dotted and T's crossed that we can come out and say it's done.

What happens if you can't resolve things with the Council?

If we can't get a final resolution with the

PHOTO: Mt Iron Junction

Proposed is a service station, workers accommodation, housing, mini-golf facility and a child care centre.

Council, we will have to go to the Environment Court which would be so silly because we would be fighting stuff that's just ridiculous.

We have got through the big stuff; it's just sorting out the little stuff.

Horticulture measures a step in the right direction Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Two Southern MP’s said a Government decision to allow RSE workers in to help with this season’s fruit harvest was needed but that numbers were insufficient and the timing was off.

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean and Southland MP Joseph Mooney have repeatedly called on the Immigration Minister to allow workers in from COVID-free countries to ensure a successful harvest can take place across the region and give the economy a much needed boost.

Dean said the allowances were a step in the right direction.

“Growers have been warning the Government of a worker shortage crises for months. Allowing some workers in from overseas early next year will help, but the decision has come too late.

Growers will no doubt be working through the finer details in the coming days to see how they can make it work.

“Central Otago needs five thousand workers, so while two thousand workers across New Zealand is welcome, it will not be enough to make a difference for the harvest in our region.

“I know from my dealings with local growers that they have tried and failed to attract enough kiwi workers and I can only hope that the new MSD incentives will see enough kiwis get on board to make up the shortfall.

A Luggate wine grower who does not want to be named said that the overseas workers were sorely needed.

“Kiwi workers don’t cut it,” he said. “They don’t last the distance. They leave as soon as the weather gets a bit rough or they get sick of it. The

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

Central Otago needs five thousand workers, so while two thousand workers across New Zealand is welcome, it will not be enough to make a difference for the harvest in our region.

guys we get in from Vanuatu, they arrive, they work hard, live on the smell of an oily rag, and save all their money to take home with them.

“Their home islands can be wiped out by a typhoon, and they go home laden with chainsaws and other things that they can use to rebuild their island. They don’t drink; they save their money.”

Southland MP Joseph Mooney said allowing some workers in from overseas was an encouraging move.

“It shows the Government is now listening and acknowledging that workers from the Pacific can be brought in to help with the harvest. I hope that they will allow more experienced RSE workers in, and allow those from COVID-free countries to quarantine in facilities managed by the growers who have a vested interest in making sure they stick to the rules and bring in the harvest.

“We’ve been very clear with the Government that the economy in this part of the country is heavily reliant on the wine and horticulture sectors and that growers need their support at this critical time.

PHOTO: Supplied

Mathew Wallis died when the Alpine Helicopters Robinson R44 he was flying crashed on July 21, 2018.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Mast bumping caused an in-flight breakup of a helicopter over Lake Wānaka, said the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC).

Matthew Wallis died when the Alpine Helicopters Robinson R44 he was flying crashed on July 21, 2018.

Only months later his brother Nick Wallis, along with passengers Paul Hondelink and Scott Theobold, died in a second helicopter crash near Wānaka Airport on October 18, 2018.

On Friday the Commission released its Final Report into the 21 July 2018 accident, which fatally injured the pilot, the only person on board.

The Robinson R44 helicopter was cruising in mountainous terrain in conditions that were conducive for strong turbulence at a speed that increased the risk of an adverse outcome.

Mast bumping occurs when a two-bladed teetering rotor head see-saws (teeters) so much that its inside edge strikes its own main drive shaft (the mast). It can happen in a split second, and usually results in the helicopter breaking up in flight, and is fatal for those on board.

TAIC Chief Commissioner Jane Meares said it was likely strong unexpected turbulence caused the main rotor disk to teeter excessively and the mast to bump.

“In this case, mast bumping caused a main rotor blade to bend down so far that it struck and entered the helicopter cabin, the helicopter broke up in flight, descended, impacted the lake, and sank,” said Meares.

“Operators, owners and pilots of helicopters with this type of main rotor need to know that the risk of mast bumping increases with the likelihood of turbulence, mountainous operating

environments, high power settings, higher speed and light weight.”

There is no need for TAIC to make a new recommendation in this Final Report, she said.

Three recommendations from 2016 already addressed the relevant safety issues.

“We need more recorded flight data, and recorders are being developed for installation in Robinson helicopters. We also need to know more about the dynamic behaviour of twobladed, teetering, underslung rotor systems, and this is the subject of a University of Maryland study,” Meares said In another move, Robinson Helicopter Company updated its R44 Pilot Operating Handbook to define the non-standard term, ‘significant turbulence’, after TAIC noted the potential for misinterpretation.

The TAIC Watch List item on mast bumping already recommends concerted action to promote safe operation of Robinson helicopters In 2018 the TAIC suggested Wallis was flying too fast for the conditions.

"While the pilot would have likely had an indication of the weather conditions as the helicopter flew up Stevensons Arm, there were various pieces of information available indicating that flying close to the maximum permitted speed would have likely increased the risk of an adverse outcome."

Wallis was flying at 178km/h airspeed in the moments before the crash when the pilot handbook suggested pilots reduce airspeed to 110km/h to 130km/h during "significant turbulence".

TAIC said a passing cold front, wind, forecast turbulence and reduced visibility meant flying conditions at the time were not good, making the decision whether to fly "ambiguous".

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Peak of possibility Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Tanya Bottomley

Setting a Roy’s Peak record, to also make her goal of six summits in two weeks’ time, Bottomley will need to cover 100km and 7,500 vertical metres - close to the height of Mount Everest (8850m).

For most of us, one summit of Roy’s Peak in 24 hours is enough. But local trail runner and Queenstown Lakes District Council employee Tanya Bottomley (39) is aiming to make upwards of six summits between December 12 and December 13 to raise money for Shine, a charity which provides help for victims of domestic abuse and their children.

Bottomley first started running while living in a destructive, abusive relationship, and now uses her running journey to share her personal story and raise awareness of family violence and the support available for both men and women to recover from abuse. She has completed a number of long-distance challenges under her banner, Run Like Tanya, and is the first woman to take on the Thir Southern Seasons Miler Challenge – four 100 mile races in 12 months, of which she has completed three.

“My ruling philosophy with my running is to run happy,” said Bottomley. “I simply love to run,

and will most often be seen with a big smile on my face while exploring the trails.”

Whilst setting Roy’s Peak record, to also make her goal of six summits, Bottomley will need to cover 100km and 7,500 vertical metres - close to the height of Mount Everest (8850m). She has spent the last six months getting up into the mountains as much as possible for training - but as an ultra-endurance athlete, she’s accustomed to spending up to 36 hours on the move.

“This kind of challenge needs fitness, but more than that it needs mental toughness to just keep going when you’re tired, bored and hurting,” said Bottomley.

“To be the first woman and person to complete this challenge will be both humbling and rewarding, and I hope to inspire others to think about what else is possible for them,” she added.

“Because while 2020 has been a transformative year in my domestic abuse story, being locked down with their abusers, this year has been a living hell for many.”

Visit the Run Like Tanya Facebook page for more information or to donate.

New chairman for Fish and Game Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Ray Grubb of Wānaka has been elected the new New Zealand Fish and Game Council chairman, after Paul Shortis stepped down.

Grubb was the first Otago person to hold the position in 30 years.

Grubb said protecting the country's freshwater would be top of the agenda for him in the new role.

"We are trying to work with every group that is interested in high-quality freshwater - that would be my aim in doing this job," He said the next three years leading to the

PHOTO: Linked In

Ray Grubb is the first person from Otago to hold the role in 30 years.

abolition of mining water rights in 2021 were likely the most important in our fishing history.

“I see the overwhelming priorities for Otago are; participation in negotiations for new consents for excellent water quality; and two, reviewing current resource consents to be sure they provide for high quality in-stream habitat and renegotiating those that do not. And three, Fish and Game developing its scientific knowledge as the key tool in water right consent negotiations Although the organisation was tasked with managing trout, salmon and game birds in the country, Grubb said he also felt a real responsibility to Kiwis who aren't interested in fishing or hunting.

Speaking to Newshub he said: “Not only do we represent 133,000 licence holders, we represent their children and grandchildren," he said.

"We have the responsibility to interface with the Government and with regional councils and all the people that use water to try and create good habitat."

Grubb said fishing and hunting game birds was a "birthright" for New Zealanders and his "philosophy would be to make sure that continues".

PHOTO: Anna McConville

The Christmas tree is up! Santa’s helpers from left to right: Lysann Grob, Hannah Barnell, Liz Moodabe-Watt, Kristi James and Louise Hare.

Christmas gifts that will be met by complete silence.

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Watersports Facility celebrates first birthday

PHOTO: Volunteer South

Chief Executive of Central Lakes Trust presents Volunteer South’s Gillian White with a $2,000 cheque.

$2K raised for Volunteer South Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Nigel Latta “Resilience” Tour held during October has raised $2000 for the Volunteer South- Central Lake Trust.

Last Thursday Susan Finlay, Chief Executive of Central Lakes Trust presented Volunteer South’s Gillian White with a $2,000 cheque. Entry to the three community events was a gold coin donation at the door.

White thanked the Trust for involving Volunteer South in the tour.

"Thank you so much for bringing this tour to the region and involving Volunteer South in the event. Nigel’s delivery of what are often serious issues is part of what sets him apart. His messages about how we deal with stress and uncertainty

and his strategies to cope are very practical and real – he wraps them up in a down-to-earth delivery that appeals to a wide-ranging audience,” she says.

Finlay said Volunteer South was at the “coal face” of the region’s response to COVID-19.

“It seems very appropriate to give the gold coin donation to a group that was there for us all when we needed them most this year. I’m really glad that the funds will be used in celebrating with volunteers from our communities.

Volunteer South and volunteers have certainly made a significant contribution to our community this year, and deserve to celebrate,” she said.

Celebrations are taking place at Puzzling World, Wānaka on December 9 at 5.30pm.

Volunteers from all walks of life are invited.

Makarora ultra-fast broadband continued

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wānaka Watersports Facility celebrated its first anniversary with an open day and family picnic at the lakefront site on Sunday.

Event organiser Claire Radford said it was a “fabulous event” with several hundred people coming through to see what the facility had to offer and more enjoying the free kayaks and paddleboards on the beach provided by Paddle Wānaka.

Santa also made an appearance, arriving and departing via paddleboard with his elf helper.

Since opening its doors in 2019, the facility has established 200 regular users, the majority of which are the Wānaka Lake Swimmers and the Wānaka Rowing Club, whose storage shed at the facility opened in August.

As part of the celebrations, the club displayed their boats for the public and Jaime Hutter (senior member and trustee of the facility) completed a 45km length-of-the-lake marathon on an indoor rowing machine to highlight his upcoming fundraising challenge with fellow members Rob Taylor, Mike Toepfer and Shane Gibson, who will be rowing the actual length of the lake - although this event had been delayed due to an injury in the crew.

Radford said it had been an amazing but eventful first year for the facility, having survived the floods of 2019 just ten days after opening its doors and the Covid-19 lockdown, as well as

PHOTO: Supplied

Santa made an appearance at the Watersports Facility’s open day last Sunday, arriving and departing via paddleboard with his elf helper.

being the base for multisport events including the BRECA swim run event and the recent Challenge Multi race.

“Now we are absolutely pumping,” she said.

“There are always people coming in and out of the facility, heading out on their kayaks etc which they store here, and it is just so good to see people getting out and making the most of our beautiful lake.”

“We have lots of plans for the coming year,” she added. “Lots of events are booked in and we can't wait to hold more community activities.”

Caring for our community Chorus has been selected to build fibre all the way from Fox Glacier to Hawea and Milford to Te Anua.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

As a continuation from last week's story on this issue, Chorus has responded to the Sun by saying it will have the Haast to Hawea section of ultra-fast broadband build completed by early to mid-2022.

Chorus works stretch approximately 360km over three sections of build.

• Fox Glacier to Haast – Approx. 120km • Haast to Hawea – Approx. 120km • Milford to Te Anua – Approx. 120km.

Working with Crown Infrastructure Partners, Chorus has been selected to build fibre all the

THE WĀNAKA SUN

PHOTO: Pixabay

way from Fox Glacier to Hawea and Milford to Te Anua, an intense and challenging 360km fibre lay through some very interesting terrain.

Sections are all roughly 120km and teams will use all deployment methodologies along these routes. Methodologies include aerial, directional drilling, utilising existing assets, mole ploughing and rock sawing.

This project is focussing on establishing the main fibre between Fox and Hawea and Milford and Te Anua. Whilst Chorus is looking at deploying UFB services along the route, it has not confirmed dates and locations as it has been focused on getting the main fibre sorted.

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QLDC seeks swim instructors Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Ever wanted to be a swim instructor? Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has launched a recruitment drive for swim instructors to tackle a shortage of trained staff.

QLDC Sport and Recreation Manager Simon Battrick said increased demand for children’s learn-to-swim classes had hit record levels.

“We need more instructors to teach our full learn-to-swim programmes in Term 1 next year,” he said.

“So we are encouraging people who enjoy swimming and ideally have experience in working with kids to apply for instructor roles.

They would start off shadowing trained staff over our school holiday programme and do the AUSTSWIM training course,” he said.

“We’ll cover the cost of this qualification, which is around $300.

“Then support their ongoing professional development. These are skills that would remain useful throughout their working life,” Battrick said.

Battrick said people of any age could apply.

Still, the opportunity might appeal especially to high school students who could earn a competitive hourly rate, work in a fun and social environment that fits around other commitments, and gain a skill that lets them earn a living anywhere in the world.

“There will always be kids wanting to learn to swim. When overseas travel begins again, and young people look to take an ‘OE’ here’s a chance for them to prepare by getting a teaching qualification that’s respected globally.”

“It can set you up for life – even if you take on other careers you can always rely on the

“We collected four big bags of rubbish plus four car tyres in close proximity to our lake.”

PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka Primary cleans up the lakeshore Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Pixabay

There will always be children wanting to learn to swim.

When international travel begins again, and young people look to take an ‘OE’ here’s a chance for them to prepare by getting a teaching qualification that’s respected globally.

professional skills you learn as a swim instructor,” he said.

The Council’s Sport and Recreation department has produced a video featuring current swim instructors and pool lifeguards sharing their stories and explaining the benefits of working in the aquatics sector.

More details of the current vacancies can be found on the Council’s dedicated careers webpage https://qldc.qjumpersjobs.co. The aquatics recruitment video is available to watch on its YouTube channel https://youtu.be/74x4tS0C-U

Last Friday, November 20, Wānaka Primary School teacher Markus Hermanns organised a clean-up along the lakefront between the Wānaka Marina and Pembroke Park with 21 of his year 5 and 6 students, accompanied by Chris Arbuckle from The Touchstone Project and local grebe expert John Darby.

This was part of the Healthier Kids Sea Cleaners programme, created by Nestlé New Zealand in partnership with Kiwi non-profit organisation Sea Cleaners, which the school signed up to in November.

“All the children that attended certainly enjoyed the beach clean-up, mainly because they realised very quickly what a difference they made by cleaning up all this rubbish from our lake shore,” said Hermanns.

“They loved to have Chris Arbuckle with us to talk about the lake flora and fauna and also John Darby, who joined us to talk about the grebes project in particular. “Everyone was raving about this

experience and already asked to do it again soon.”

Hermanns said the key takeaway from the day had been there was an “immense amount of rubbish and litter” along the waterfront, although not always visible to passersby.

“We collected four big bags of rubbish plus four car tyres in close proximity to our lake,” he said.

The children learnt about the effect this was having on the local flora and fauna, as well as the water.

“They saw in detail that ducks and birds like the grebes use the rubbish to build their nests. They noticed that people use the easy accessibility of the Yacht Club and Wānaka Marina to dispose of rubbish, like the four old tyres and various building materials. They analysed the rubbish and found out that the majority of the rubbish is plastic that we can't recycle or reuse, food wrappers and single use plastic in particular.”

The SeaCleaners programme aims to educate young Kiwis about how their individual actions can have a positive impact on the planet, while providing tools and resources to help them tackle the rubbish problem currently plaguing waterways.

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Mental health and well-being Submissions for next CORR focus Crown Pastoral Land

Reform Bill closing

PHOTO: Pixabay

When times are tough, and you need direction, it is more important than ever that the information is easily available.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Raising awareness about mental health and well-being support is the next key focus for the Central Otago COVID-19 Recovery Response (CORR) group.

CORR was formed mid-year and is comprised of about 40 leaders of business, social agencies and community groups, who meet on a monthly basis (both virtually and in person) to raise and discuss emerging issues and put plans in place to minimise and mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19 for the Central Otago district.

The group recently launched a ‘Spare Time, Spare Room’ campaign targeting locals, and their friends and family from out of the district, to be a solution to the predicted seasonal labour shortage.

Covid-19 Recovery Manager Dylan Rushbrook said the next initiative people would start to see and hear more about focused on mental health and well-being.

“We will be getting the message out there that if you’re finding times a bit tough then know you aren’t alone and there is always someone for you to talk to.”

With the support of the Otago Community Trust the group would also be printing and distributing flyers around the district that contained a h QR code to take people to a landing page with a list of support networks they could tap into.

General Manager of The Gate in Cromwell and the Chair of the CORR Health and Wellbeing Sub-Committee Glen Christiansen said it was important to make the information easily accessible.

“When times are tough, and you need direction, it is more important than ever that the information is easily available. The QR code is the same as the current Covid-19 tracing app so people are comfortable with the process. Not everyone knows where help is or what form it is available in, so we’re hoping that if or when times are tough people will scan and connect with that support.”

DOC completes tahr control

PHOTO: Glen Dene

Richard Burden and wife Sarah Burden.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Submissions of concern or dispute for the Crown Pastoral Land Reform Bill are due December 25, 2020 and Federated Farmers Otago high country chairman Andrew Paterson is urging people to make their voices heard, This Bill amends the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 and the Land Act 1948, with a single broad policy to end tenure review and redesign the regulatory system to deliver new Crown pastoral land outcomes.

It aims to provide a clearer, more transparent, statutory decision-making process, with more opportunity for public input on how Crown pastoral lands should be managed.

Tenure review was a voluntary process that allowed pastoral lessees to buy some of their leasehold lands. The rest of the land returned to Crown ownership, usually for conservation purposes.

Paterson believed Eugenie Sage's proposed Bill would make the management of high-country properties like his more difficult He owns 8700ha Matakanui Station, near Omakau, 3600ha of it leasehold.

He feels the Bill is being rushed and will not achieve the environmental and sustainable outcomes Minister for Land Information

Sage wants.

The changes could negatively affect lessees' ability to farm environmentally, economically and sustainably, he said.

"During the past 100 to 150 years, many farmers had successfully sustainably managed most high country land."

"They [the government] don't care if farming is economical in the high country," Paterson said.

"It [the Bill] comes from questionable environmental ideology and goes against what we have been doing."

Glen Dene Station owner Richard Burden agreed. Glen Dene station lies on the south side of Lake Hawea.

He said around 100 properties were remaining as a pastoral lease.

"My opinion is that tenure review was a fair process, and I would like to see it continue.

"It provided benefits for public access, put land back into conservation and allowed farmers to get on with the business of freeholding land that was more suitable for farming.

"We went through a tenure review in 2007. It has worked out well for us. The public access that we provide up onto Mt Isthmus has become a popular walking area- thousands of people now enjoy it. It's a good win for the public and has allowed us to continue farming."

PHOTO: DOC

Hunters can head out on trips this summer on public conservation land throughout the feral range knowing DOC’s control work for the year is complete.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has completed its planned Himalayan tahr control operations within the tahr feral range for 2020.

Tahr Programme Lead, James Holborow said DOC hunters and contractors worked over four months in a range of alpine environments and challenging weather conditions.

“Between mid-July and early November, we aerially controlled 7481 tahr on public conservation land to protect alpine eco-systems from the impacts of high tahr densities.”

Maps showing where tahr were controlled as part of the Tahr Control Operational Plan for 2020/21 have been uploaded to

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the DOC website. Sightings of identifiable males located outside of the national parks’ management unit have also been mapped to help hunters.

“Hunters can head out on trips this summer on public conservation land throughout the feral range knowing DOC’s control work for the year is complete.”

Next month, DOC will meet with the Tahr Plan Implementation Liaison Group to begin engagement on a Tahr Control Operational Plan for 2021/22.

“We’re approaching the development of next year’s work programme with an open mind and we’re looking forward to reviewing what we have learnt over the past couple of years with members of the group,” said Holborow.

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Trinity London Music Exams go-ahead

PHOTO: Supplied

This bunch of talented students sat their Trinity London Music Exams and passed with flying colours.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Typically examiners come from the UK to judge the Trinity London Music Exams each year.

However, with the borders closed a New Zealand examiner travelled to Wānaka to adjudicate.

Students sat exams on piano, clarinet, flute, violin, classical guitar and acoustic guitar. Students also

travelled from Alexandra and Cromwell.

The following are results from Wānaka students taught by local music teachers Helen Carter, Abby Peterson, Liz Ritchie, Johanna Hansen and Ann-Marie Lake.

Pianoresults–Initial:MacyHolland(Distinction) Grace Derby (Distinction) Sohie Bull (Merit) Zack Wilson (Merit) Amy Thomas (Merit) Annabelle Hilton (Merit) Grade 1: Jake Holsted (Distinction)

Lillian Lake (Distinction) Hank Weathington (Merit) Grade 2: Laila Telfer (Distinction) Arnaud MacKenzie (Distinction) Hannah Thomas (Merit) Maya Parker (Merit) Tommy Cotter (Merit) Monte Halliday (Merit) Grade 3: Bryne Bloxhem (Merit) Grace Thomas (Merit) Ben Hilton (Pass) Grade 4: Kahu Allan (Distinction) Rhian Telfer (Merit) Grade 8 Kahu Nepia (Merit) Clarinet results – Grade 4: Amy Benson

(Distinction) Flute Results - Grade 1: Lincoln Rimmer (Merit) Grade 3: Lena Pollard (Merit) Violin results - Grade 1: Nadia Thomas (Merit) Anne Porteous (Merit) Molly Mexted (pass) Grade 2: James Watson (Pass) Grade 8: Ebony Kinney (Pass) Acoustic guitar- Grade 2: Stella Dineen (Pass) Acoustic guitar - Grade 4: George Holland (Pass) Classical guitar - Grade 4: Maude Rogers (Pass)

An end of year treat New Zealand falcons: For a long time, the Central Otago Regional Orchestra, CORO, has been growing in numbers, experience and stature. Their end-of-year concert, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth, in the Lake Wānaka Centre was a treat that delighted a large audience. CORO have played here on many occasions, both the full orchestra and an ensemble but they have not previously attempted works on the scale of this concert.

The performance began with the 'Name Day' Overture of 1815. Name Days were an old form of the annual celebration that has been overtaken by birthdays. Beethoven wrote this to celebrate the Name Day of the Austrian emperor, Franz 1st. The music was complex but well handled. This was followed by the first three movements of the 8th Symphony. While it is not the lyric equivalent of the Pastoral, or the mighty 9th, it was well played, although I find it difficult when a work is not completed.

But the first half was really a prelude to

the symphonic triumph that occurred when Patrick Cornfield joined the orchestra to give an electrifying performance of Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto, the 'Emperor'. It didn't matter that the stage was crowded, or that some players were hidden behind the piano. It didn't seem to matter that Patrick, as soloist and Ashley Hopkins, as conductor had difficulties seeing each other and had to use their great musicianship to coordinate some of the intricate timing of parts of the music. 'Our' piano sounded at its sparkling best and the orchestra lifted itself to a new level of confident enthusiasm. It's rare for us to enjoy performances of whole works, where the solo part is played entirely without sheet music. Patrick Cornfield demonstrated a rare and wonderful talent to enjoy this complex and much loved work. He then played a beautiful little Brahms Intermezzo Op117 as an encore. Hopefully he and the orchestra will come again, soon.

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behind the dive bombing Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

A pair of falcons/kārearea (also occasionally known as sparrow-hawks) nesting at the Albert Town end of the Upper Clutha Track near Pawson's Creek have been giving dog walkers a fright for the last few weeks by dive bombing passersby and their dogs.

Rebecca Pitts, communications officer for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) said that two incidents had been recently reported to council, including an injury to a man’s head. The falcons nested in the same general area year after year and their aggressive behaviour was in defence of their eggs and chicks.

Department of Conservation (DOC) senior ranger, community Nicole Sutton said that New Zealand falcons are found nowhere else in the world and are our most threatened bird of prey.

They nest during spring and summer, usually on the ground in a nest scrape, and the eggs are incubated by both parents for 25 to 35 days.

Chicks stay in the nest scrape until about 28 days of age.

“They have sharp talons, so strikes can cause lacerations to people and dogs; it can also cause injury, fatigue and stress to the falcons,” said Sutton. “If they strike a cyclist’s helmet and become injured it can be fatal as, unable to fly, they would be exposed to predators on the ground, or starve to death.”

Sutton said the birds normally only attack threats to their nests in an approximate 60m radius. Her advice to dog walkers in the areas was to stay clear of nesting falcons, and turn around and go back if they started to dive bomb.

“If you have a hat, or are wearing a hoodie, put that on and hold a soft, bushy branch of vegetation above your head.”

THURSDAY 03.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 09.12.20

PHOTO: Department of Conservation

New Zealand falcons are found nowhere else in the world and are our most threatened bird of prey.

If the chicks survive, they should be up in trees, and the parents less defensive, from the end of December and will stay in the general area for at least 14 days after fledging. However, nests frequently fail at the chick stage, due to predation by introduced mammalian predators.

The outcome of the Albert Town kārearea pair’s nesting attempt is being monitored for DOC and QLDC by The Kārearea Project as part of their work in the Cardrona Valley. The Kārearea Project asked people to get in touch if they think they have kārearea nesting on their property in the Cardrona Valley area.

“Please observe the detour in place at the Albert Town end of the Upper Clutha Track near Pawson’s Creek, and keep dogs on a leash,” said Sutton. The detour would remain until the breeding season was over or the birds had left the area.

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MAC junior awards ceremonies Urgent deck maintenance Luggate Red Bridge Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Junior Awards Ceremony took place at Mount Aspiring College (MAC) last week.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Junior Awards Ceremony took place at Mount Aspiring College (MAC) last week for years 7 and 8, 9 and 10. Awards were granted as follows: Year 7 Highest Achievers (class): Nico Pettit, Kasey Brooks, Riley Miller, Isla Taylor, Jack Sides, Ruby Smith, Mikayla Botting.

Year 8 Highest achiever (class): Oskar Sharpe, Olive Sedon, Taja Rowan, Alex Coupland, Claudia Paterson, Chloe Murray, Aria Winter, Dan McKean.

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT National: Sylvia Trotter (skiing), Jalen Carleton (snowboarding), International: Luke Harrold (skiing).

SPORTS CHAMPIONS Kade Lawrie, Phoebe Laker, Chantel Thurston (athletics), Coast Morland, Mabel North, William Schurink (swimming), Hugh Ragg (athletics and cross country) Catty David (swimming and cross country).

Year 9 Highest Achievers (class): Erica Hudson, Abbey Pederson, Archie North, Isobel Sheehan, Tom Sides, Tai Treadwell-Burke, Amy Benson.

Year 10 Highest Achievers (class): Melia Brett, Annelise Wedgwood, Max Birkby, Nina Lee

Central Otago FUNERALS

Here’s a story from an article in a local paper in Sheffield, England…Victor and Elsie Bower were teenage sweethearts and were married in 1955. They died not long ago after spending 65 years of their lives together. Victor, 82, passed away after being diagnosed with cancer a year earlier, and Elsie, 80, died just days later in hospital—her family said “from a broken heart.” They had always been together so their family thought it was only right that they be buried together. They were laid to rest in a double sized casket, still holding hands. Michael Fogg, the Funeral Director said “to me it didn’t seem right to have separate caskets when all Elsie wanted to do was to be by Victor’s side.”

PHOTO: Supplied

Smith, Jessie Winter, India Yule.

SPORTS AWARDS Gustav Legnavsky (junior sport and freeskiing), Ella Miles (freeskiing), Nat Warburton (rockclimbing), Joshua Allison, Estelle Gellatly (athletics), Lulu Pettit (cross country), Kate Bennie, Taylah Jones (swimming), Tom Sides (cross country and swimming).

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT National: Zoe Antone (archery), Oscar Georgalli (snowboarding), Estelle Gellatly, Niamh Townsend (athletics), Amy Benson (skiing).

International: Gustav Legnavsky, Fin Melville Ives (skiing), Lucia Georgalli, Cam Melville Ives (snowboarding).

SPECIAL ACADEMIC AWARDS James Watson (debating), Grace Heath (monologue), Melia Brett (mathematics).

CULTURAL AWARDS Clarke West (music), Anataia White (mana pounamu).

SERVICE AWARDS Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary: Anton Jones, Jemma Brake, Oscar Waddington, Zoe Frazer (bronze), Zoe Frazer (silver).

JUNIOR PREMIER AWARDS Estelle Gellatly, Isabella Soper, Tayla Doran, Zoe Frazer (culture), Hazel Murray, James Watson, Lucia Mochel, Lulu Pettit (service), Niamh Townsend, Saffron Millar, Tom Sides, Zavier Taylor (sport), Jessie Winter (school culture), Isabella Soper (whole-hearted contribution – junior).

From Monday morning, 30 November, work will get underway on essential strengthening and deck repair on the Luggate (Red) Bridge, between Wānaka and Tarras, said Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Work on the SH8A bridge involves installing scaffolding, replacing running boards, installing sub-beams and abseiling works to check and tighten all deck bolts.

Given the activity will be happening both above and below the single lane bridge, it will be closed to all traffic from 9am-5pm, on weekdays, for two weeks.

During this time, a detour for ordinary traffic will be in place via Kane Rd – Camphill Rd – SH6 – Shortcut Rd (SH8A). This loop is approximately 32km and 20 – 25 minutes, unfortunately it cannot accommodate heavy vehicles.

“Those who usually travel via the bridge during weekdays should either try and travel outside of the times of 9am to 5pm or add extra time into their journey in order to take an alternative route,” said Waka Kotahi Maintenance Contract Manager Mark Stewart.

“These are urgent works required at the Red

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Bridge, which is a single lane bridge that is over 100-years old,” said Stewart. “We will endeavour to complete these works in a timely manner, over a two-week period and have scheduled work to be undertaken by teams both on the deck and underneath the bridge for efficiency. Only work that is technically necessary for the safe use of the bridge will be completed as we strive to minimise the inconvenience to our road users.”

Stewart confirmed that the bridge would be open to traffic as usual on the weekends and between the hours of 5pm and 9am in the evenings / early mornings.

The school bus is being accommodated within the closure hours.

HIKING COLUMN

The Outlet Track

This beautiful area also has some of my favourite swimming spots in town.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Outlet Track is one of those hikes you can keep coming back to. There’s always a new little beach to explore, a cute dog or three to pat, and the perfect sun:shade ratio to make this a (just about) all-weather walk.

It’s an all-energy walk too. Feeling tired? It’s an easy 3km one way. Feeling energetic? Make it longer by connecting it to Bremner Bay from the Beacon Point track on one side, or the Upper Clutha River Track and the Newcastle Track from the other - or combine all of the above for

PHOTO: Joanna Perry

some serious waterside walking action.

There’s a variety of scenery and foliage to enjoy as you travel from lake to river, although it’s also worth mentioning that there are some obstacles to look out for on a few of the winding corners - namely mountain bikers on the lakeside route from Wānaka to Albert Town in a hurry for their morning pastry. It’s one of the busiest tracks in town, popular with cyclists, walkers and fishers alike, so be prepared to say a lot of hellos.

This beautiful area also has some of my favourite swimming spots in town - although I think I’ll give it a few more weeks of sunshine before I brave that crystal clear water.

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PHOTO: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

A detour for ordinary traffic will be in place via Kane Rd – Camphill Rd – SH6 – Shortcut Rd (SH8A).

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Top freeskier Byron Wells retires Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Byron Wells, photoshoot at Keystone, Colorado.

PHOTO: Nate Abbott

Top New Zealand freeskier Byron Wells has announced his retirement from the NZ National Freeski Team and competitive freeskiing. He is looking forward to some summers after 17 years of back-to-back winters, he says.

"It has been a fantastic journey this past 15 years as a professional skier, full of moments and friends I will cherish for the rest of my life, says Wells.

"It was a roller coaster of a career, plagued with injury for the better part, but looking back there were some incredible highs as well. My career didn't turn out as I had planned in my head, but I enjoyed the success I did achieve and got to travel the world doing what I love with my family. I wouldn't change a thing.

"I feel like now is the time to focus on things that are now more important to me - as I've grown older, my priorities have certainly evolved.

My body is pretty beat up; my knees have been screaming at me for the last five years, and I feel if I stop now, I can get back to a point where I'm able to do some of the other things I love. I want to be able to kick a ball around with my kids one day, go on hikes and explore my backyard without pain - and of course, still enjoy getting out on the snow."

Wells has represented New Zealand globally in Slopestyle and Halfpipe for over a decade having burst onto the international Freeski scene in 2008 at just 15 years old.

With his brothers ( Jossi, Beau-James and Jackson) as his teammates and his father (Bruce) as his coach, Wells set out to make his mark on the Freeski World. His career included competing in 15 World Cups, eight Winter X Games, and standing on the Dew Tour podium.

He is a member of both the 2014 and 2018 New Zealand Olympic Winter Games teams.

The silver medal at the 2012 Dew Tour Halfpipe Finals was a standout performance, alongside his numerous Winter X Games appearances. Tom

PHOTO: Tommy Pyatt

Byron Wells competing at the 2017 Aspen Winter X Games.

Willmott, Head Coach Park and Pipe HighPerformance Programme, says.

A double Olympian in Sochi (2014) and PyeongChang (2018), Wells grit and determination, commitment, and courage had him return to the top echelon of the sport following injuries that would typically stop an athletes career.

His contribution to the sport outside of the athletic sphere included work as a judge, coach and event commentator. He is internationally regarded as one of the sport's "good blokes".

"We have no doubt Byron will continue to inspire the next generation through his role as a Snow Sports NZ Ambassador," Nic Cavanagh, High-Performance Director says.

So, what's next for Wells?

"I have been studying my commercial helicopter license for a few years now and looking forward to finishing that off and starting a new career flying."

Byron Wells competing at the 2017 Aspen Winter X Games.

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PHOTO: Tommy Pyatt

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THE WCB WORD

A regular update from Wānaka Community Board Chair, Barry Bruce November is usually a quieter month for tourist visitors and this year is no exception. There is a lot going on in our community though and for my last column of the year I’d like to share some details of a number of projects underway in the Upper Clutha at the moment.

But first, I’d like to take the opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas on behalf of the Wānaka Community Board. As we move into the festive and holiday season, I encourage everyone to play safe. Whether on the lake, on the road or at a social function - look after yourselves and each other.

Cardrona Wastewater Pipeline Project Fulton Hogan recently started infrastructure works on Cardrona Valley Road and Pringles Creek Road. This work will be carried out over seven months and involves constructing a wastewater pipeline and pump station to connect with the new wastewater scheme currently being built by Mount Cardrona Station Limited. Traffic control will be used throughout the works to help keep both workers and travellers safe while moving through the work areas. During this time the road width will be reduced in sections where the crews are working. However, construction will stop for three weeks over the Christmas holiday period from Monday 21 December through to Monday 11 January 2021. Safety is paramount during the works, so please be extra mindful of children and keep your distance from machinery. Council has contacted local residents directly but if you are looking for

more details on planned works, go to www. qldc.govt.nz/major-projects Ballantyne Road Seal Extension Project We’re thrilled to be getting started on the Ballantyne Road seal extension project. This project will result in a safer road environment, sealed road surface, increased road width with sealed shoulders for walking and cycling, and improved visibility.

Upgrades include sealing of 4km of currently unsealed road, a low-speed environment by design, one metre sealed shoulders to allow for safer opportunities to walk and cycle, and improved drainage. It also involves the relocation of several power poles.

A number of trees are to be removed from the road reserve to accommodate the road improvements, and extra care will be taken to ensure trees that are to be retained are not damaged by construction. We’ll be replacing any removed trees either along the upgraded road or as a contribution towards the planting of the wetland area adjacent to Atherton Place along the track between Bremner Bay and Penrith Beach.

Council is working with Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust nursery on this project with the support of the local community.

Stage Two of Wānaka Lakefront taking shape Recently the Board agreed to proceed with option #1 of the Concept Design for Stage Two of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan covering the area of lakefront running between McDougall Street and Dungarvon Street.

This will feature an active travel promenade

NEWS IN BRIEF ORC issues low flow warning for La Niña summer The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is encouraging irrigators and other water users to be mindful of the summer conditions as New Zealand enters a La Niña summer characterised by warmer and drier conditions than usual in the south.

ORC General Manager Regulatory Richard Saunders said people would need to be responsible about their water use.

“Dry weather means less water in rivers and races, so anyone taking water needs to be mindful of their consent conditions and responsibilities and to actively monitor how much water they are taking.

“Depending on the impact of La Niña, that could become important for avoiding restrictions on water intake in the coming months.

“Irrigators have worked together to share available water during low flow events in the past, and we would hope to see that repeated over this summer if waterways start to run low,”Saunders said.

Underpass mural The new cycle underpass under SH34 may become a thing of beauty if the Wānaka Community Board has its say.

The concrete wall, initially to have a plain anti-graffiti finish, could have a mural painted on it -an opportunity too good to miss, according to the WCB. The board has approached artist Chrissy Wickes to manage the project with input from school children.

However, the concept is not likely to start until the first school term next year.

ORC tallies up its own greenhouse gas emissions The Otago Regional Council (ORC) has

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presented an inventory of its own greenhouse gas output (GHG) for the financial year 2018-19.

The inventory tallied ORC’s total gross GHG output over the 12-month period at 578 tonnes, made up mostly from transport fuels, domestic air travel, and purchased electricity.

Transport fuels for ORC’s fleet of 59 vehicles accounted for 349 tonnes, or about 60 per cent of the GHG total. Domestic flights, mainly between Dunedin and Wellington, made up 103 tonnes, or 18 per cent of the overall output, and purchased electricity for ORC offices, depots and pump stations totalled 76 tonnes, or 13 per cent.

The assessment of ORC’s own GHG emissions was agreed as part of this year’s Annual Plan, and sits alongside the Otago region GHG inventory by district, which will soon be underway in collaboration with local authorities.

ORC Chief Executive Sarah Gardner said the assessment was a first for the organisation.

“There’s no requirement for us to do an inventory like this of our own organisation, but it has been really helpful for us to take a step back and understand what ORC’s day-to-day activities look like in terms of carbon output.

“Crucially, this work also sets us up with a baseline to measure improvements over time.”

Car crash victims name released Police have released the name of the man who was killed in a crash on State Highway 8A between Tarras and Luggate last month.

Police said he was Tobias Nathan Lee (47), of the Mackenzie District.

He died on November 12 when the vehicle he was driving left the road about 8.35pm that evening.

The circumstances of the crash are still under investigation.

(Te Ara Wānaka) along the lakefront adjacent to Ardmore Street, with new Millennium Pathway tiles laid alongside it. The plan includes the retention of as many existing trees as possible and the introduction of car parking on the lakeside of Ardmore Street.

Council is now working to form a working group to assist with the creation of a new Millennium Pathway, with terms of reference for the group to honour and protect the original legacy of the Millennium Pathway and its content. If you’re keen to check out the detailed design, head to www.qldc.govt.nz/ wanaka-lakefront-development-plan Wānaka Community Board news Finally, I’d like to share some updates on recent WCB activity: • The draft management plan for the

Hāwea Domain is due to be presented to the Board at the upcoming December meeting. The Board is very keen to hear the community’s view on the draft so please take time to get involved and have your say when it’s made available for feedback.

• The last monthly WCB “Pop In” session for 2020 was held on Wednesday 2 December which was an opportunity to connect with residents before the year’s end. A reminder that these sessions will kick off again on 3 February 2021 and we will be looking to mix up venues and timings for these meetings to provide greater accessibility in the New Year. I hope to continue conversations and meet some new faces then!

The Council Word Pool fitness classes

Find ways to give this December

All Council-run group fitness classes in the pools at Wānaka Rec Centre run as normal until Tuesday 22 December. That’s AquaFit 8.00-8.45am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday; AquaHIIT 6.30-7.15pm every Tuesday and Wednesday; and ‘You and Me’ ante-natal classes every Tuesday from 7.30-8.15pm.

Pre-bookings for ‘You and Me’, otherwise just turn up! For more info drop by reception, call 03 443 9334 or email wrc@qldc.govt.nz

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better time to give back to a friend or family member than in December. ‘Giving’ is one of the five ways to wellbeing and a great way to look after the mental health and wellbeing of others. Once christmas trees start popping up in homes around New Zealand, you might like to surprise someone with something you’ve made for them or bought with them in mind.

For ideas on looking after yourself and others, visit www.allright.org.nz

Pre-Xmas holiday programme Wānaka Recreation Centre is running a three-day holiday programme 16-18 December. Packed with fun, sports-based activities and games for kids aged 5 to 12.

Sign up for as many sessions as you like – $45 per day. To book call Penny on 03 441 1767 or email penny.batchelor@qldc.govt.nz.

Details for the full programme starting 11 January available soon.

Libraries Fines Amnesty Keen to wipe library fines that may have been stacking up? For the month of December your local library will happily shelve fines in exchange for non-perishable food items, children’s books, toiletries and vouchers. Each item waives $5 from what you owe, and goods received go to Food for Love.

It’s a win/win!

Snap, Send and Solve with QLDC If you spot an issue in the community you can now raise it with Council using an app on your phone called Snap Send Solve.

The app is a simple, free and fast way to send QLDC ‘Fix It’ requests, meaning the next time you spot a pesky water leak on the road outside your house or a fallen tree blocking a trail, snap it then send it and QLDC will solve it. You can download the Snap Send Solve app on Google Play and the Apple Store.

Recycling changes on the way From 1 December, only plastics recycled in Aotearoa New Zealand can go in your yellow recycling bin. We’ll be sending details about the changes to all households soon but in the meantime, you can read all about it at www.qldc.govt.nz/recycling-changes

www.qldc.govt.nz

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GREBE DIARY 1 December 1, 2020

Grebes on Lake Hāwea.

Of all the Grebe Diaries over the years, this one would be by far the latest to hit the seasonal press so to speak, and probably the most confusing.

Throughout August to October, I pondered when grebes were going to do something other than fight each other. There was lots of courtship, mating and everything that goes with that other than making a nest and laying eggs. The first egg of the season eventually arrived October 28, by far the latest of any of the last seven seasons. It was quickly followed by birds on nests six and 13 laying eggs within days of each other;all were estimated to hatch over the last week of November.

There was then a pause, a very short one, and the bird on nests three, four, and nine chimed in and all laid eggs, all due to hatch over the first week of December. There was a total of 22 eggs.

A few hours later (metaphorically speaking) the number of eggs was almost halved when fierce southerly wind gusts destroyed all but one nest

their face, then there was a bird on the shoreline that appeared to have one. That was more or less confirmed when we found eggshell on nest three.

Meantime there had been exciting times at Lake Hawea. I am chuffed that the folk over there have taken up the Grebe cause and have now got two platforms on the lake. The second one has yet to be officially accepted by Grebes, but the first one we put in had barely got wet before the birds jumped on it and abandoned their efforts. By November 25 they had four eggs that are due to hatch December 14-16, nor-westers willing.

I am delighted to head this season's epistles with a photo of a "nest in the wild" taken by Maggie Evans. It does sum up the tenuous and PHOTO: Maggie Evans difficult lives Kamana live, close to the bank of the mighty Mata-Au in a tangle of twigs and branches on the marina on November 21. All of the lake nestled under a giant willow. Hugely sensitive to anchored nests, apart from one, survived with their eggs complete. The one that didn't make it dragged its anchor and became shore-bound with its single egg and was abandoned. It was nest one, the one CAMERA CLUB we refer to as the Robinson Crusoe nest, made by ‘IN FOCUS’ sculptor Simon Bannister entirely of driftwood.

Nest ten was the first due to hatch, and I carried out a nest check on the evening of November 23.

The behaviour of the birds suggested at least one or more chicks. The next review was on the 27th, and I could see through my binoculars that the nest was empty of adults, but two eggs were there.

There was a southerly roaring around the marina indicating that it was not a good time to get in the kayak and collect the eggs but to hold off to calmer times. I congratulated myself by being on the water by 7 am the following morning, but it was too late, the eggs were gone.

If Black-Backed Gulls could have a smirk on

river flow and level, it can so easily be swept away by an angry river surge, and it is from the banks of a low river or lake that they are so vulnerable.

My Grebe studies have been almost entirely from the water by kayak, and the behaviour of the birds to approaches from the water are entirely different from those from the land. On the water, they have misplaced confidence that allows me to approach them and receive salutary pecks on the back of my hands.

So when you see them on their platforms or nests tied to the marina in Roys Bay, you too are seeing them from the water and not the land, and it is the main reason why they appear so relaxed.

But whatever you do, please do not approach nesting birds. There is a critical stage of the breeding cycle when they will abandon all.

– By John Darby

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Secluded Beauty

Waterfalls are some of the most beautiful natural features we will ever photograph. and they are not difficult to shoot if we follow a few basic principles.

The most important of these is to remember that using a fast shutter speed will only freeze the running water resulting in a picture that is usually less appealing than water that looks silky and cotton-like.

In order to achieve this effect, the key is to use a slow shutter speed of several seconds or longer, which will give us smooth, blurring water.

The actual camera we use is not essential but one that allows us to set shutter speeds for several seconds or more is a definite advantage.

As our goal is to take extended time exposures, we will need a tripod to allow slow shutter speeds without camera shake.

It is undoubtedly possible to hand-hold our camera, but good results are far more challenging to achieve.

To enable us to block the light coming through the lens a neutral density filter can be used to trick our camera into thinking it needs a longer exposure time as the filter dramatically reduces the light hitting the camera's sensor.

A polarizing filter is also useful as it reduces glare and reflection in the water, improving clarity while also darkening green colours.

Balanced and diffused light is great for photographing waterfalls because it helps bring out the details in the shadows and amplifies contrast.

The best-deferred light occurs on overcast

THURSDAY 03.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 09.12.20

PHOTO: Robyn Bennett

days, but if we can't wait for cloudy conditions, we should visit the waterfall at sunrise or sunset when the light intensity is not too high., Good composition is key to achieving a great picture.

We have found a beautiful waterfall so now walk around it exploring different angles and camera positions.

We can shoot directly in front of the fall or at an angle.

Using a wide-angle lens will allow the whole view to included, while a telephoto lens enables us to concentrate on details of one small area of the waterfall.

Foreground elements such as rocks, flowers or vegetation lead our viewer's eye to the waterfall and create more interest in our picture.

A wonderful example of the beauty of waterfalls is Robyn Bennett's photo 'Secluded Beauty.'

Robyn's friend from Ashburton was staying for a holiday, so she decided to take her to a place between Queenstown and Glenorchy as it was such aa peaceful spot to visit.

Robyn took her picture with a Nikon D500 camera with the lens set at f8 aperture and a shutter speed of 1/10th sec. Wānaka Camera Club is dedicated to improving the skills of anyone interested in photography. Come along and see what we can do for you. Our meeting in December is the Club's award-winning results and Christmas Party. There is no meeting in January, and our next is February 8, 7.30 pm St John's Room, Link Way.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

Sun Views

thewanakasun.co.nz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

In response to our story "No parks at the marina."

Wānaka Marina parking

I am very disappointed in your article about the parking at Wānaka marina. None of the issues I raised about the zoned parking in relation to off peak times or a change of conditions to suit everyone were mentioned.

This was not ever meant as a moan just a desire for QLDC to take some positive action for a change instead of doing nothing.

Michael Barker

EDITORIAL

Tenure review system was not working

Chris Riley: Why are us commercial users getting tickets and losing what few customers we get, with no parking, or us paying for their tickets from QLDC, because they didn't see the sign, "Trailer parking Only". This problem is directly due to a lack of the developers not having to provide parking for their contractors on their substantial land, as part of their consent?

We, as commercial lake users, have lost income and lobbied QLDC - to no avail.

Asking for a solution to the blasé arrogance these workers have shown to our life-giving operations of parking for our clients and marina users of the lake requiring parking.

This "sitting on hands" attitude to this problem in failing tourism industry due to this loophole, left to abuse from contractors by the council, is clearly a failure in construction consent issued.

We will not be sitting on our hands for yet another year on this.

Mike Botting: Build a decent car/boat trailer park by retaining out more into the lake, cut down the willows, retain into the bank as well to add more space..oh wait it's NZ RMA hurdles and QLDC favouring Queenstown over Wānaka so it would take ten years and involve lots of pissing around with consultation and worrying about everyones views rather than just making a better boat parking and marina area.

Peter Marshall: Mike Botting: we have looked at that, the cost-benefit doesn't stack up well, nor the consenting issues. But it is programmed for some work and improvement in year 2-3 of the LTP. But the focus for recreational boaters will be Eely point. Quentin Smith five years ago after Giga town stuff there was a meeting at Ely point with all the vested stakeholders. ALP being the main party to make things happen supposedly. In 2005 there was a plan to do as you suggest. The Yacht Club commandeered half the space about then or after. So there was the statement five years ago that there were about $1m in budget and work could commence on Eely point the following year.

So now nothing I think the marina budget was scuttled by the previous community board chair and the money went into a car park at the end of McDougal St. Which was already an unformed car park. This whole issue has been a litany of council/councillors incompetence. We have the best boating lake in the lakes district and the worst access for boats. So another season starts.

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

Land that has gone into private ownership in these deals has included significant parts of the shorelines of Lakes Tekapo, Wānaka, Hawea and Wakatipu.

Pat Deavoll

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Look on page 7; there is an article on the demise of the high country tenure review system.

Back in the day, the idea of tenure review seemed a good one.

The Crown would pay out its high country pastoral lease owners for some land, which would be retired and incorporated into conservation parks and reserves.

At the same time, public access could be improved, and the leaseholders would pay to freehold parts of their runs. Everybody would gain.

Tenure review would be voluntary and negotiated between the leaseholders and the Crown.

What happened, however, in the words of researcher Ann Brower, a senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury, and author of Who Owns the High Country? was a rort.

Who Owns the High Country? was a startling exposé of bureaucracy gone wrong. This controversial story tells how large areas of the high country in the South Island were sold off to run holders for knock-down prices, in a process that was hidden from public view.

Brower exposed this quiet scandal. She discovered that the Crown had been paying the runholders of South Island high-country stations to freehold parts of their pastoral lease farms, subsequently leaving them to subdivide their newly-owned land for massive profits.

Land that has gone into private ownership in these deals has included significant parts of the shorelines of Lakes Tekapo, Wānaka, Hāwea and Wakatipu as well as some of the finest vineyard country in Central Otago.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

The book explains how and why this process was allowed to go unchecked and documents the rise and fall of farmer domination of highcountry land reform. It is an important book and a must-read for anyone who cares about the high country of the South Island. Unfortunately, after checking, I see it is out of print.

I did some Googling and came up with these statistics. Between 1991 and 2018, the Crown freeholded about 440,000 hectares from more than 100 stations.

The leaseholders paid $65.2 million. About 20 per cent has been on-sold for $275 million.

The median sale price was more than 500 times the Crown's selling price, according to Brower's figures. I can't find the figures for the past two years, sorry.

What was Crown-owned land leased for ''pastoral'' purposes has in some cases become high-end lakeside subdivisions. The sales have been a bonanza for some Crown pastoral leaseholders.

While the leaseholders cannot be blamed for taking advantage, taxpayers have every right to feel disappointed at both the unjustified transfer of their wealth and the loss of Crown land.

At the same time, high country conservation land has been expanded. So a good thing.

However, according to the views of some, these gains have been outweighed by land-use changes on freehold land, There are also questions about intensification and land-use changes allowed on leasehold properties themselves.

No wonder the Government has decided to scrap tenure review. Some leaseholders might look askance at missing out on windfalls their fellows received. But the transfer of land and money to small numbers of runholders needed to stop. The system was not working.

Crimeline I Ian Henderson

Senior Constable, NZPD

A windy week with a bit of rain, the lake has been very rough at times, quite unsettled. For those intending to get out on the water or head for the hills, patience is required.

Police are still tidying up after the nasty crash out by the Wānaka Airport on SH 6, and another one later in the day near the approach to the Albert Town Bridge on SH 6.

We’ve had a couple of fraud scams come to light this week. If you get a call from anyone posing as your bank, take their name and then look up the bank phone number yourself and call them back. Better yet, if there’s a branch in town, pop in. These scammers are particularly good at social engineering and making you believe they are who they say they are. So they will try everything under the sun to make you feel a sense of urgency that you need to follow their instructions there and then – don’t! See us if you have any questions and we’ll help you out.

Alcohol has led to some feuds in the recreational areas around town this week. I’m happy to say that it wasn’t from locals, but visitors. Poor antisocial and abusive behaviour is not what this community welcomes, and we will not tolerate it.

Community mental health should always be an area for us to be aware of. This week Police did their very best and spent considerable time with those in crisis. Even those who appear well on the outside may be dealing with something on the inside, and we should all be mindful of this.

Be kind to one another.

On Saturday night there was a large gathering

THURSDAY 03.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 09.12.20

at Timaru Creek off Gladstone Road, Hawea, with 400-500 people enjoying a drink and some music through the night well into daylight hours.

Some drivers were processed for drink-driving as a result of a Police alcohol checkpoint the following morning.

Two males were arrested on Sunday evening for breaching their court bail conditions.

On Monday evening, November 30, Police were alerted that eleven trampers were overdue from their walk up the Wilkin near Makarora.

Extensive enquiries and some local help there found that six of the group had already walked out and gone home and the other five of the group had decided to spend an extra night in the Siberia hutso all ended well. It appears that communication was not a strong point. Please remember to communicate your intentions to someone and then update them if you change your plans. It may save their life and will also save our local Search and Rescue volunteers their precious time!

I’m sure you all would have seen the booze bus in town this week. Unfortunately, too many had alcohol detected, and one driver was detected driving with five times the legal limit of alcohol.

Along with intersections, speed, seatbelts and cell phones, impaired driving will be a focus around Wānaka leading up to Christmas, so remember to stop for three seconds at the stop signs, leave home 30 seconds earlier to get to your destination and use hands-free phone devices (and that doesn’t mean put them on your knee) and most importantly don’t drink and drive.

Let’s all take responsibility to keep our roads safe this summer!

Have a safe week.

PAGE 13

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SERVICES Wānaka Pharmacy is your local pharmacy.

We’re the big pharmacy at the top of Helwick Street open from 8am until 7pm every single day.

Ph 443 8000.

The Salvation Army Family Store is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 4pm and most statutory holidays. We look forward to seeing you in our wonderful store.

The Salvation Army Family Store requires good quality household goods, if you can help this would be appreciated. Your donations can be dropped at 48 Helwick street or phone for a pick up 443 5068.

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PAGE 14

Thanks to everyone who comes to Wastebusters to donate goods, shop and recycle.

Your support helps us work for zero waste and a resourceful community.

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Cut rags (100% cotton) and drop cloths, only $7 for a big bag. Now in the yard container at Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days.

Business Networking International.

The Wānaka chapter of BNI meets weekly at 7am Tuesday morning.

Great networking opportunity to grow your business.

Contact Randal Dobbs for information 021 973 043 The Salvation Army Family Store is able to collect your donations, this service is available one day a week please phone the store on 443 5068 to make a booking.

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WHAT'S ON Wanaka Food & Produce

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Every Wednesday 11am –2pm Enjoy Lunch & Buy from Locals who are Passionate about what they Produce - Adrienne 0272488815

Wanaka Rec Centre: Sir Tim Wallace Drive

THURSDAY 03.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 09.12.20

WĀNAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ISSUE 1003 Free delivery to Wānaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wānaka, Albert Town and Hāwea.

Also distributed to businesses in the Wānaka business district Average circulation: 15,000 weekly.

Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Editor: Pat Deavoll • 0274 487 741 editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Journalist: Joanna Perry • 021 736 740 newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Advertising: adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740 admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Mail: PO Box 697, Wānaka Deadlines: Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to publication. marketing@thewanakasun.co.nz

03 443 5252 Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior admin@thewanakasun.co.nz Subscriptions: $175 within NZ (including GST)

per year. Overseas rates on request.

Remittances to PO Box 697, Wānaka, NZ.

THE WĀNAKA SUN

thewanakasun.co.nz

Sun News / Classifieds

PHOTO: Supplied

Wānaka local Judy Young’s annual SPCA appeal has raised over $2,627 for SPCA Otago, bringing the total raised since she started organising the event in 2011 to well over $22,000. The two-day appeal featured a raffle and group dog walk along the lakefront last Saturday morning. Young said it was a “perfect day with happy dogs and owners,” and gave special thanks to all the volunteers who helped raise the money for such a good cause.

Santa open for business at the Hub

Curtis and Scarlett McGrouther pose in front of their favourite tree, decorated by a local business.

PHOTO: Wānaka Sun

PUBLIC NOTICE

PHOTO: Supplied

Christmas is not just for children - Daisy Watford and Sean Minors enjoyed their visit to Santa just as much as baby Tobias.

Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Does Santa have to quarantine? According to Wānaka Santa’s Grotto creator Jen Anderson, he’s special enough to be exempt - although she was less sure about the reindeer.

Despite a troubled year for many, Santa is still open for business at his grotto in the Wānaka Community Hub, and this year he is welcoming people of all ages to visit on a paywhat-you-can basis.

The Upper Clutha Christmas Charitable Trust is running the event for the sixth consecutive year - and for the second time at the Hub - to spread the joy of Christmas to the community.

Event creator Jen Anderson said the grotto usually attracted around 2,000 people, and this year there would be no charge to visit, “as a thank

THE WĀNAKA SUN

you to the community, who have supported us for the last five years.”

With the difficulties of the last year in mind, the trust was instead requesting koha donations with proceeds going to local causes such as the Wānaka Foodbank.

Anderson and Upper Clutha Christmas Charitable Trust chairwoman Yeverley McCarthy emphasised that the event was not just for children. With a chance to vote for your favourite Christmas tree, sponsored and decorated by 19 different local businesses, win a number of raffle prizes, and place a decoration for a loved one on the tree of remembrance, it was an event “beautiful for the oldies as well,” with the oldest known visitor to date a 98-year-old.

The grotto is open today and tomorrow from 4:00-5:30pm, and both days of the weekend from 10:00am-12:00pm and 2:00-4:00pm.

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i CLOSURE OF STREETS TO ORDINARY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC PURSUANT TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1974, notice is hereby given that consideration will be given, at the Wānaka Community Board meeting on 18 February 2021 to the closure of the following roads to ordinary vehicular traffic, for the purpose of holding the annual Wānaka A & P Show 2021: Road to be Closed:

McDougall Street from Ardmore Street to Brownston Street

Period of Closure:

0600 Wednesday 10 March 2021 to 1200 Sunday 14 March 2021

Roads to be Closed: Brownston Street from McDougall Street to Dungarvon Street and McDougall Street from Upton Street to Brownston Street (Note: access to this area will be available for residents, campground users, trade exhibitors and for disabled parking) Period of Closure:

0600 to 2000 on Friday 12 March 2021 and Saturday 13 March 2021

It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person otherwise than under authority of an authorised permit to use the roads for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

Those who have any concerns regarding the above closures, please contact Sarah Mitchell at APL Property Limited on 021 244 9988 or by email sarah.mitchell@aplproperty.co.nz before 5.00pm on Friday 18 December 2020.

THURSDAY 03.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 09.12.20

Private Bag 50072 | 47 Ardmore Street Wānaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz

PAGE 15

Sun Sport

thewanakasun.co.nz

Adaptive triathlon returns for second year Joanna Perry

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Challenge Wānaka is bringing back their adaptive event for intellectually and physically disabled under-25s as part of their triathlon festival next February.

Communications Manager Sophie Luther said that, because the adaptive community loved the inaugural event this year and “really got a lot out of it,” it had been decided to bring it back again in 2021.

“A lot of people came up to us afterwards saying it was the best thing we did in the whole festival, and I think it was too,” said Luther.

“Often intellectually and physically disabled kids get overlooked in our communities (other than Snow Sports where they do an epic job) and it is a real shame when their family members and friends all get to compete and they don’t.”

Jo Knight, Triathlon Coach, Tri NZ Official and Wānaka local, was set to manage this year’s adaptive races after being involved with Challenge Wānaka for 12 years.

"This year, I would love to see as many people of all abilities out on the course as possible," said Knight.

The event is open to anyone under 25 with PHOTO: Supplied an impairment (either intellectual or physical) Adaptive Event Manager Jo Knight: "This year, I would and offers three different race distances of swim, love to see as many people of all abilities out on the bike and run for adaptive-physical and adaptive- course as possible.” intellectual competitors respectively.

"We would love to welcome all Adaptive "If those distances don't float your boat, then participants with a BBQ on Wednesday, February please contact us to see how we can make it work 17 and walk you through the course. Race day for you. will be the following day.”

From left: Heather Malcolm, Kathryn Mitchell and Bev Mee.

PHOTO: Wānaka Bowling Club

Women’s Bowls Club Triples Championship decided Seven Wānaka Bowling Club Women’s Triples teams battled it out on November 19 and 26 to decide who would win the title this season. In a Triples match, each player plays two bowls each ‘end’, and a game consists of 18 ends. A game of Triples usually takes at least two hours, and playing three games in a day is hard work.

At the end of the first day, four teams were left in the competition.

• Delma Guy(s), Jan Allen, Ava Sanders (2 lives) • Kathryn Mitchell(s), Bev Mee, Heather Malcolm (1 life) • Judy Briggs(s), Judi Barton, Margaret Parker (1 life) • Gilda Cameron(s), Kay Outram, Pieta Shore (1 life) On Day 2 Gilda Cameron was beaten by

Judy Briggs who then went onto defeat Delma Guy in a very close match 18-15. After 15 ends played, Delma led by 13-12 but Judy scored two consecutive threes to leave Delma with the task of scoring 5 five shots to force an extra end, and this proved to be too much for her team.

In the final between Kathryn Mitchell (who had had a bye) and Judy Briggs it was one-way traffic for the first four ends with Kathryn’s team bowling very accurately and leading 7-0. Judy came back with a 3 to make it 7-3, but with two fives Kathryn raced away to an 18-3 lead after nine ends.

Although Judy Briggs won two further ends Kathryn Mitchell’s team kept building their score, and after 15 ends Judy conceded the match at 24-7.

– By Peter Wilson

A clubhouse to beat them all Our wonderful clubhouse is now under construction. With 1650m2 of floorspace, it will offer a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, movie theatre, lounges with gas fireplaces, a bar and café, games and billiards room, library and social spaces for meetings and special occasions. And there’s more outside, with decks, outdoor fireplace, barbecue area and bowling green. It’s all yours when you become a resident of our over-65 community at Queenstown Country Club.

Artist’s impression

PAGE 16

Show homes open to view Mon-Fri 10am-3pm & Sun 1pm-3pm Call Hilary 0800 111 410 or visit queenstowncountryclub.co.nz THURSDAY 03.12.20 - WEDNESDAY 09.12.20

THE WĀNAKA SUN